The Dhaka Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has issued an urgent directive to all higher secondary institutions regarding the 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations. According to a circular signed by Exam Controller S.M. Kamal Uddin Haydar on Wednesday, November 26, the results of the HSC preliminary (selection) examinations must be published by February 26, 2026. The form fill-up process for the main HSC examination will begin on March 1, 2026. The board has already sent official letters to all college principals under its jurisdiction, instructing them to comply with the timeline. The circular also mentioned that a detailed schedule and further instructions regarding the form fill-up process will be announced later. The notice emphasized that the matter is of utmost urgency and requires immediate attention from all concerned educational institutions.

A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of income tax records belonging to former Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid. The directive was issued by Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Sabbir Faiz on Wednesday, November 26, to the Tax Region-20 office in Dhaka. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Deputy Director Muhammad Zainal Abedin had requested access to the records, citing the need for a thorough investigation. According to the ACC’s petition, Harun-or-Rashid allegedly abused his official power to amass and possess assets worth approximately Tk 17.51 crore beyond his known sources of income. The court’s order aims to facilitate a detailed review of his tax documents to determine the legitimacy of his wealth and support the ongoing corruption probe.

A high-level delegation from Dhaka University visited the Diabari housing area in Uttara to assess its feasibility as an alternative accommodation for students during the construction and renovation of university halls. The team evaluated available facilities, safety measures, transportation access, and infrastructure during the on-site inspection on Tuesday, November 25. The university administration stated that new dormitory construction will begin soon while renovation work on existing halls continues. The initiative aims to alleviate the long-standing housing crisis faced by students. The inspection team included the university treasurer, senior government officials, engineers, and student representatives. After a comprehensive evaluation of the site, the university will make a final decision on whether to use the location as temporary housing. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and suitable accommodation for all students.

Bangladesh’s Home Adviser Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has clarified that the recent appointment of police superintendents (SPs) in all 64 districts was conducted through a lottery system. Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on November 26, he said that the process aimed to ensure fairness and transparency ahead of the upcoming national election. Districts were categorized into three groups—A, B, and C—based on law and order conditions rather than size. Only meritorious officers were considered, and none were excluded from the selection process. The lottery then determined which officer would serve in which district. The adviser, who also oversees the agriculture ministry, noted that 18 SPs were reassigned and replaced with new officers. When asked if similar lotteries would be used for officer-in-charge (OC) postings, he replied, “Inshallah,” suggesting the possibility of extending the system further.

The Ministry of Home Affairs in Bangladesh has announced the transfer and reassignment of Superintendents of Police (SPs) in thirteen districts. The official order, signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Mahbubur Rahman on Wednesday, detailed the new postings for the officers. Among the changes, Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police Jahangir Hossain has been appointed as Special Superintendent of Police at the Special Branch (SB). The reshuffle is part of a routine administrative adjustment aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring effective law enforcement across the country. Such transfers are common in the Bangladesh Police Service and are often implemented to enhance coordination and maintain discipline within the force. The newly assigned officers are expected to assume their respective duties shortly following the official notification.

The interim government of Bangladesh has finalized the appointment of police superintendents (SPs) for all 64 districts ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election. The selection was conducted through a lottery held at the Chief Adviser’s residence, Jamuna, on Monday, with the official appointment notification issued on Wednesday. Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, along with senior officials from the Home Ministry and the Chief Adviser’s Office, were present during the process. According to police headquarters sources, officers who had previously served as SPs were excluded from consideration. The final list was prepared from officers of the 25th, 27th, and 28th batches of the police cadre after thorough scrutiny, and 64 officers were selected through the lottery to ensure neutrality and transparency in the election duties.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Rüdiger Lotz has expressed optimism that the upcoming national parliamentary elections in Bangladesh will be transparent and participatory. Speaking at a 'DCAB Talk' event organized by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh, at the National Press Club on Wednesday morning, he emphasized the importance of voter turnout and fair participation. The ambassador referred to the chief adviser’s statement predicting a 60 percent voter turnout and said Germany also expects strong participation. His remarks reflect the international community’s continued interest in Bangladesh’s electoral process and its emphasis on democratic practices and transparency. The ambassador’s comments come amid growing discussions about ensuring credibility and inclusiveness in the forthcoming polls, which are being closely watched by foreign diplomats and observers.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive restricting foreign travel by bank officials until the upcoming national parliamentary election. In a circular sent to all bank chairmen and managing directors on Wednesday, the central bank instructed that managing directors (MDs), chief executive officers (CEOs), and other employees should refrain from traveling abroad unless absolutely necessary. The order, issued under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act of 1991, takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. The move is seen as part of efforts to maintain administrative stability and ensure smooth financial operations during the election period. The central bank emphasized that any foreign travel must be justified by urgent necessity and approved accordingly. This measure aims to keep key decision-makers available in the country during a politically sensitive time.

The Superior Selection Board (SSB) has recommended 34 police officers for promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), sparking widespread discontent within the Bangladesh Police. The list, finalized in a late-night meeting, reportedly favors officers from the 20th batch—many of whom allegedly benefited under the previous Awami League government and were involved in suppressing opposition activities. In contrast, several qualified and long-deprived officers from the 21st batch were excluded, despite having completed all verification and vetting processes. Critics within the force claim the move undermines internal discipline and could affect the neutrality of upcoming national elections. They argue that the selection reflects political favoritism and a continuation of past biases. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration have not responded to inquiries regarding the controversy, while calls grow for the list to be reviewed and revised to include deserving officers from the 21st batch.

The prosecution has filed a contempt of court petition against Advocate Fazlur Rahman at the International Crimes Tribunal. Prosecutor Gazi M H Tamim confirmed the development on Wednesday, November 26. The petition accuses Rahman of actions or remarks deemed disrespectful to the authority and dignity of the tribunal. Details of the alleged contempt and the specific grounds for the petition have not yet been disclosed. The tribunal is expected to review the application and determine whether formal contempt proceedings will be initiated. Such cases are handled seriously by the tribunal, which maintains strict standards regarding conduct and respect for its judicial process.

Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka has risen to become the world’s second largest city by population, surpassing Tokyo and trailing only Jakarta, according to a new United Nations report cited by Al Jazeera. The report, titled 'World Urbanization Prospects 2025', shows Jakarta leading with 41.9 million residents, followed by Dhaka with 36.6 million and Tokyo with 33.4 million. The UN projects that Dhaka could become the most populous city globally by 2050 if current growth trends continue. The rapid population increase in Dhaka is attributed to rural-to-urban migration driven by employment opportunities, climate-related displacement, and the city’s expanding boundaries. The report also highlights that Asia dominates the list of megacities—urban areas with populations exceeding 10 million—with 19 of the world’s 33 megacities located in the region. Among the top 10, nine are in Asia, while Cairo is the only non-Asian city on the list.

Bangladesh Bank has issued a directive restricting foreign travel by officials and employees of all banks and financial institutions until the completion of the 13th National Parliamentary Election. The central bank’s Banking Regulation and Policy Department announced that only essential and unavoidable trips will be permitted during this period. The measure aims to prevent administrative disruptions and maintain operational stability in the banking sector during the election season. The directive applies to managing directors, chief executive officers, and all other officers and staff. Bangladesh Bank invoked its authority under Section 45 of the Bank Company Act, 1991, to enforce the order, which takes immediate effect. The move is part of precautionary steps to ensure that the financial system remains fully functional and responsive amid the heightened administrative and political activities surrounding the upcoming national polls.

The Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh has issued a directive urging all ministries and divisions to refrain from granting entry passes or one-time passwords (OTPs) to unfamiliar visitors seeking access to the Bangladesh Secretariat. The letter, sent to senior secretaries and secretaries, highlights recent incidents where unauthorized individuals obtained OTPs from authorized officials and caused disruptions inside the Secretariat. The ministry warned that such actions disturb the working environment and create confusion among staff. It emphasized the need for heightened caution when issuing passes, ensuring that only verified and known individuals are granted access. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Cabinet Secretary and the Deputy Police Commissioner responsible for Secretariat security, instructing them to strengthen overall security measures to prevent further breaches.

Several buildings at the Ghorashal-Palash Urea Fertilizer Factory in Narsingdi have developed cracks following the strong earthquakes on November 21 and 22. The damage has sparked fear among residents and workers of the South Asian fertilizer giant, which is currently undergoing major reconstruction. Contractors Toma Construction and Messrs Jamal & Company were engaged in multi-phase projects worth over Tk 370 crore, with about half the work completed. Officials claim the cracks are superficial and not structural, but residents question construction quality and safety. A committee led by Additional Chemist Saifuddin Mohammad Tarek has been formed to assess the damage and determine whether affected buildings should be declared unsafe. Local authorities have already evacuated some residential blocks deemed risky. The earthquake also damaged nearby infrastructure, including parts of the Ghorashal power plant, a railway bridge, and local government buildings, prompting emergency disaster management meetings to restore public confidence.

At least 21 of the 41 murders committed in Chattogram over the past year are linked to criminal gangs operating through foreign phone numbers and encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Imo, and Telegram. These networks, reportedly run by masterminds based in India, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar, issue orders for killings, extortion, and abductions remotely. Police admit they lack the technical capacity to trace these encrypted communications, leaving them unable to pinpoint suspects’ locations even when nearby. Intelligence reports identify at least 14 active groups, each backed by expatriate coordinators and hackers skilled in number cloning and fake location generation. Local law enforcement officials say their efforts are hampered by limited access to advanced surveillance tools and dependence on a single military intelligence agency for technical assistance. Experts warn that Chattogram’s underworld has undergone a ‘digital shift,’ urging immediate investment in cyber intelligence, international data-sharing agreements, and modern monitoring systems to prevent virtual criminal networks from becoming uncontrollable.